Wanted to know how to change careers - i have ~ 6 years work experience as an electrical engineer and now would like to move into buy side finance - HF, VC,PE. I have a masters degree in electrical engineering and recently completed a masters in finance as well from Harvard Extension. Will be taking the CFA level 1 in December 2016. Are there any success stories here with the same route?
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I know MBA works. I'm not sure how the Harvard Extension school works with the MS.
Did you work within any areas that have finance attached to them? (Infrastructure, electronics?). If there are firms like that you may have an in.
Otherwise, it may be an uphill battle. I'm going to guess the answer everyone else is going to give is to network your ass off.
I worked in the semiconductor industry (electronics) and yes the companies I worked for have a corporate finance department but I would like to move into buyside finance - not really interested in corporate finance. The masters in Finance from the Extension school does count but the networking opportunities as an extension graduate student is nothing like what it is for Harvard College. I really got into the extension school as a way to learn finance after regular work hours. What would be good avenues for networking to get into HF, VC and PE firms if not from within a your school's alumni network?
How about semiconductor M&A? Quick google search: http://www.axial.net/companies/semiconductors-m-a-advisory-firms/
or: http://www.axial.net/companies/semiconductor-equipment-private-equity-f…
Honestly, cold calling. If some of these not target kids with low GPAs can make it, it might be possible for you.
Engineering backgrounds are usually universally respected, so I doubt anyone will question your background.
I studied petroleum engineering. It is extremely common to go from engineering to banking as oil deals can be highly technical and sector expertise is highly valued. There might be something similar in your case?
Will take a look, its good to hear there are success stories of people getting into buyside finance from non target schools - whenever I google it, I always get results emphasizing Ivy league degrees for undergrad or MBAs as a criteria to step foot into that world. I'll have to try cold calling people - thanks for the tips!
Network is your best friend. I contacted five trading firms regarding internships and opportunities, I come from an engineering background as well. These were strictly cold-calling.
I got positive responses from two firms with direct people who are the "yes/no" people to candidates, as these people look through 100+ resumes when hiring.
I thought MBA programs were meant as a means to make connections?
Yeah, MBA programs are great to make contacts but I've already gone through a Masters in Finance and now will be taking the CFA exams, I think at present there will be a big opportunity cost going for an MBA route as well. I'm trying to make the best of what I have at present. Networking seems like the thing to do - did you cold call people on LinkedIn messaging or actually call up their offices and offer a pitch of what you can offer the firm?
I called the office and offer a pitch, actually. It is still early before recruiting season begins, so I figured getting a head start is not a bad ordeal.
The MBA usually only matters if you make it to a top B school no? The CFA will definitely help. I have a strong company prestige recognition, so when people ask about my work history, 90% of the time they recognize the big tech corp listed on my information.
Keep on hustling!
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